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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why your doctor may not have given you the best advice for your lower back pain

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin Underwood, Chair Professor, Primary Care Research, University of Warwick

    Focus and Blur/Shutterstock.com

    Treating lower back pain is enormously expensive. In the UK it’s estimated to cost the NHS around £3.2 billion a year. So, ensuring patients get the right treatment is critical.

    However, the guidance issued by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) on how to treat lower back pain was last updated in 2020, meaning many patients may be getting out-of-date advice from their healthcare practitioner.

    Fortunately, most people with lower back pain recover quickly without treatment. But a minority don’t, and they can go on to develop long-term disability.

    People with lower back pain usually see their GP first. The GP may refer the patient to a physiotherapist, or, in some parts of the UK, patients can refer themselves to one.

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    However, Nice recommends using a short questionnaire to identify those least likely to recover, so they can be offered more intensive treatment. Those most likely to recover get an initial assessment and advice only.

    This approach was supported by a UK study which found a small benefit compared to offering everyone standard physiotherapy care. But later studies have not confirmed that result. It may not matter if care is targeted at those at highest risk or not.

    Nice also recommends self-management. This means giving patients information and leaving them to handle their own recovery. But recent research found that an online support programme was no better than usual care from their GP.

    For people with at least three months of lower back pain, Nice recommends “radio frequency denervation” as an option. This is a procedure where a probe is inserted into the back next to the nerve carrying pain signals from the back. Heating the probe can disable the nerves that carry pain signals. The problem is that some studies suggest it may help while others show no benefit.

    A more robust study is underway that will hopefully provide us with a more definitive answer. But, for now, we think this treatment should be approached with caution.

    Most Nice recommendations for the use of medications align with the current evidence. Nice recommends against the use of opioids for people with short-term back pain. However, the guidance suggests that weak opioids, such as codeine, can be considered if anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective or “contraindicated” (should be avoided), for example, for people with previous stomach bleeding.

    This ambiguous approach is confusing and may result in people being given the wrong care. Also, a study published in 2023 showed that a stronger opioid does not help people with short-term back pain. Nice could adopt a clearer stance, explicitly discouraging opioid use for lower back pain.

    The guidance could focus on treatments where there’s strong evidence of benefit. One option is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, which can be effective for treating people with acute and persistent symptoms. If this medication fails, heat therapy, such as hot packs and heat wraps, can be used for short-term lower back pain.

    Nice suggests that codeine can be used if the patient is unable to take anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.
    Matthew Nichols1/Shutterstock.com

    Treating peristant lower back pain

    Exercise programmes can help people with persistent back pain. A recent study found that regular walking can help prevent lower back pain flare-ups.

    Approaches, such as cognitive functional therapy, where physiotherapists address both physical and psychological barriers to recovery, also show great promise. A recent study found that it offers lasting benefits when compared to a sham (placebo) intervention.

    Mindfulness, a type of meditation, also seems a promising approach for persistent pain. A new study, published in The Lancet Rheumatology showed that it can have meaningful and lasting benefits for these patients.

    Guidance from the World Health Organization recommends other treatments, such as manual therapy (spinal manipulation, for instance) and acupuncture, that could help people with persistent symptoms.

    It is clear that the Nice guidelines don’t always reflect what we now know works, and sometimes steer care in the wrong direction.

    Martin Underwood is chief investigator or co-investigator on multiple previous and current research grants from the UK National Institute for Health Research, and is a co-investigator on grants funded by the Australian NHMRC and Norwegian MRC. He is a director and shareholder of Clinvivo Ltd that provides electronic data collection for health services research. He has accepted honoraria for examining theses, and performing peer review. He receives some salary support from University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire. He is a co-investigator on two current and one completed NIHR funded studies that have, or have had, additional support from Stryker Ltd. He has accepted travel expenses and accommodation for speaking at academic meetings.

    Gustavo Machado has an investigator grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council. He also holds research grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund, and HCF Research Foundation.

    Crystian Bitencourt Soares de Oliveira does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why your doctor may not have given you the best advice for your lower back pain – https://theconversation.com/why-your-doctor-may-not-have-given-you-the-best-advice-for-your-lower-back-pain-256040

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Police in England and Wales to get more money – but increasing funding won’t necessarily mean less crime

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Graham Farrell, Professor of Crime Science, University of Leeds

    Ian Dewar Photography/Shutterstock

    Police spending will rise by a real-terms 2.3% per year between now and 2028-29, the government announced in its latest spending review, drawn from local council tax. The government says this will help its mission to put 13,000 neighbourhood police on the streets, and “keep communities safe”.

    Police say this is far from enough to meet the government’s ambitions, particularly on cutting knife crime and violence against women, and that it is likely to be “swallowed up” by pay rises for police.

    The awkward truth, however, is that marginal changes to police funding and hiring make little difference to crime either way. Austerity cuts of around 20% to policing budgets in the 2010s were accompanied by declining crime, including domestic violence and antisocial behaviour.

    Widespread security improvements were responsible for the close to 90% reductions in many crime types. For example, engine immobilisers prevent car theft, and secure household doors and windows prevent burglary.

    Crime has been declining across developed countries for decades. But those countries vary greatly in policing practices and funding, so it is clear more policing was not the cause.

    American policing researcher pioneer David Bayley wrote in 1994:

    The police do not prevent crime. This is one of the best kept secrets of modern life. Experts know it, the police know it, but the public does not know it. Yet the police pretend they are society’s best defense against crime and continually argue that if they are given more resources, especially personnel, they will be able to protect communities against crime. This is a myth.

    This does not mean we don’t need police – we do. If there were no police, crime rates would soar. The issue here is diminishing marginal returns (we’re at the level where more funding doesn’t have the same effect).

    But it means the spending review debate had little to do with crime prevention. Rather, it was about how senior staff in public services routinely seek more for their departments. And following the spending review, police chiefs gave themselves an escape clause by claiming the increase is insufficient.

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    In recent years, we’ve learned problem-solving policing can reduce some crimes in some contexts. For example, burglary at construction sites can often be theft of building materials and tools, so the crime problem can be reduced through improved site management (rather than just more arrests).

    However, problem-solving is not easy and so is not widely applied. Simply patrolling hotspots does not affect the crime opportunity structure (factors that tempt, facilitate or precipitate a particular cluster of crimes).

    Additionally, all types of crime, except homicide, are more likely to recur, and relatively soon, after prior victimisation. And while policing to prevent repeat victimisation can reduce crime, it has fallen by the wayside in recent years.

    A recent review by crime scientist Shannon Linning and colleagues examined the effect of more police hiring and more arrests on crime, concluding: “When a sensational crime happens, residents demand action. Often someone will cry for more police and more arrests … neither approach is likely to be helpful.”

    This makes it rather awkward that the government has recently committed to recruiting 13,000 additional neighbourhood police.

    Since most people don’t know the limitations of policing, both the government and the police have been able to maintain the illusion that more police means less crime. Academic police researchers will rarely admit it in case it risks their funding, and the media enjoy a perennially newsworthy topic. Taxpayers foot the bill as well as the emotional, financial and other costs of crime.

    How to stop crime

    There is, however, some room for optimism. What we have learned from the long-term international crime drop and dozens of small-scale successes against different crime types is that reducing crime opportunities is the best approach. With some strategic adjustment, there is much that police and government can do.

    A particular focus for the government and police should be encouraging businesses to take more responsibility for crime. Knife manufacturers and retailers should be involved in introducing a ban on pointed kitchen knives, the most common homicide weapon in England and Wales. The gradual approach over many years that research (in which I was involved) recommended is too long: it should be done within this government’s term.

    A lot of other crimes, including computer-enabled crimes, are generated, facilitated or hosted by businesses. Internet service providers and network providers benefit from advertising and payments, including when they are being used for crime (from stalking and sexual victimisation to fraud and terrorism).

    Manufacturers benefit from theft of phones and other products that need replacing. Online marketplaces profit from usage and advertising when stolen goods are sold, which inadvertently encourages shoplifting, theft and robbery. Online banking and financial services also host significant amounts of fraud, and are now sometimes required to pay up to £85,000 compensation to victims.



    Read more:
    Child sexual exploitation and abuse is a multibillion-dollar industry – new report shows who benefits

    Government and police should develop a portfolio of incentives and disincentives to promote private sector crime prevention, to include regulation and market-based incentives. When businesses have an economic incentive they are tremendously efficient at preventing crime, as car manufacturers showed by improving security that brought 90% reductions in car crime.

    Reducing crime opportunities is also the best way to stop criminality. When young people do not get involved in easy crimes like shoplifting, they do not progress to further crime, including violence against women and girls.

    In short, extra police funding will not reduce crime. A shift in strategy is what is really needed.

    Graham Farrell receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

    – ref. Police in England and Wales to get more money – but increasing funding won’t necessarily mean less crime – https://theconversation.com/police-in-england-and-wales-to-get-more-money-but-increasing-funding-wont-necessarily-mean-less-crime-258977

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump breaks from western allies at G7 summit as US weighs joining Iran strikes

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor in the Department of Government, University of Essex

    Working alongside western democratic allies has not been a natural fit for Donald Trump. The US president left the recently concluded G7 summit in Canada early, with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron assuming this was to work on addressing the most severe escalation between Iran and Israel in decades.

    But Trump offered little communication with other G7 members, which include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK, of what his plans were. He said he had to leave the summit “for obvious reasons”, though failed to elaborate on what he meant.

    After exiting the summit, he lambasted Macron on social media. Trump wrote: “Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire”. Trump continued by saying his exit was due to something “much bigger than that”, adding: “Emmanuel always gets it wrong.”

    This has prompted discussion over whether US forces may join Israel’s strikes on Iran. Despite initially distancing the US from the Israeli attacks, Trump said on June 17: “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.”

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    He has since demanded Tehran’s “unconditional surrender”, while also issuing a chilling threat to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing him as an “easy target”.

    The pressure campaign employed by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to convince Trump that the time is right for a military assault on Iran seems to be working.

    Exploiting Trump’s impulsive nature, Netanyahu may soon be able to convince Trump to give Israel what it needs to destroy Iran’s underground uranium enrichment sites: a 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bomb and a B-2 bomber to carry it.

    The US’s western allies have been left scrambling to interpret Trump’s social media posts and figure out the real reason he left the G7 summit early.

    The only aircraft capable of carrying ‘bunker-buster’ bombs is the B-2.
    Mariusz Lopusiewicz / Shutterstock

    This wasn’t the first time that Trump has left a G7 forum early. In 2018, the last time such a meeting was held in Canada, Trump also left early after Macron and the then Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, promised to confront Trump over the imposition of tariffs on US allies.

    The latest G7 summit also wasn’t the first time Trump has treated traditional US allies with suspicion. Trump has cast doubt on US willingness to defend Nato allies if they don’t pay more for their own defence. He has repeatedly threatened to leave the alliance and has frequently denigrated it – even calling alliance members “delinquent”.

    Trump thinks the US gains an advantage by abandoning relationships with “free riders”. But experts have made clear alienating allies makes the US weaker. While the alliance system has given the US unprecedented influence over the foreign policies of US allies in the past, Trump’s pressure to increase their defence spending will make them more independent from the US in the long-term.

    Trump seems to prefer a world guided by short-term self-interest at the expense of long-term collective security. Indeed, with an “America first” agenda, multilateral cooperation is not Trump’s strong suit. With the G7, Trump is yet again making clear that he does not fit in, nor does he want to.

    Because the G7 is small and relatively homogenous in membership, meetings between members are supposed to promote collective and decisive decision-making. However, even the task of coming up with a joint statement on the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel proved challenging.

    Trump eventually joined other leaders in calling for deescalation in the Middle East, and the G7 was in agreement that Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons. But Trump’s social media activity since then has left US allies in the dark over what role the US might play in the conflict.

    Trump also alarmed G7 members with calls for Russia to return to the forum. He claimed that the war in Ukraine would not have happened had Moscow not been ejected from the former G8 grouping in 2014.

    Then, on his way out of the summit, Trump bragged to reporters that Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, “doesn’t speak to anybody else” but him. Trump added that Putin was insulted when Russia was thrown out of the G8, “as I would be, as you would be, as anybody would be”.

    Following weeks of frustration over Russia’s refusal to engage in serious peace talks about ending the war in Ukraine, Trump seems to have returned to being Putin’s most loyal advocate.

    Hostility toward multilateralism

    During Trump’s first term, he pushed multilateralism to the brink. But he did not completely disengage. The US withdrew from the Paris climate accords, the nuclear deal with Iran, negotiations for a trade deal with Pacific nations, and imposed sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court.

    However, when multilateral initiatives served Trump’s short-term objectives, he was willing to get on board. A trade deal struck with Canada and Mexico that Trump described as “the most important” ever agreed by the US. He said the deal would bring thousands of jobs back to North America.

    The second Trump administration has been even more hostile to multilateralism. Not only has the trade deal with Canada and Mexico been undermined by Trump’s love of tariffs, his administration has been more antagonistic toward almost all of the US’s traditional allies. In fact, most of Trump’s ire is reserved for democracies not autocracies.

    In contrast to the G7, where he clearly felt out of place, Trump was in his element during his May trip to the Middle East. Trump has a more natural connection to the leaders of the Gulf who do not have to adhere to democratic norms and human rights, and where deals can get done immediately.

    Trump left the Middle East revelling in all of the billion dollar deals he made, which he exaggerated were worth US$2 trillion (£1.5 trillion). The G7, on the other hand, doesn’t offer much to Trump. He sees it as more of a nuisance.

    The G7 forum is supposed to reassure the public that the most powerful countries in the world are united in their commitment to stability. But Trump’s antics are undermining the credibility of that message. It is these antics that risk dragging the west into a dangerous confrontation with Iran.

    Natasha Lindstaedt does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump breaks from western allies at G7 summit as US weighs joining Iran strikes – https://theconversation.com/trump-breaks-from-western-allies-at-g7-summit-as-us-weighs-joining-iran-strikes-259214

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden calls for renewed investment in American shipyards at Boston Ship Repair

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    BOSTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) joined other members of Congress and the International Association of Machinists (IAM) Tuesday at Boston Ship Repair to call for the revitalization of America’s shipbuilding industry. 

    Golden, a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) was joined by fellow committee member Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) at the invitation of Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08). The trio of lawmakers met with management from Boston Ship Repair and Machinists who work at the shipyard.

    “America needs strong shipyards. On the defense front, we are lagging in the production of American warships necessary to meet current and future force needs. We also lack the commercial vessels we need to compete in the global economy,” Rep. Golden said. “The reality is simple: If we aren’t giving work to the men and women who power America’s shipyards, they will find new jobs and we will fall further behind. Congress needs to keep up demand for warships to sustain the world’s greatest Navy and we need to pass the SHIPS Act to strengthen our shipyards, our commercial fleet and our supply chains. Our future demands it.”

    Currently, about 80 U.S.-flagged ships are engaged in international commerce compared to over 5,500 China-flagged vessels. China recently overtook the U.S. in Navy fleet size.

    During HASC hearings last week, Golden questioned the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of Defense (video) about the potential lapse in destroyer procurement in the FY26 Presidential budget request, and the risk it posed to Bath Iron Works, Maine’s shipbuilders, and the national defense. 

    The group has backed the U.S. Trade Representative penalties on Chinese ships and steps to incentivize the production and purchase of U.S.-built vessels. They are also championing the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, which would rebuild the U.S. shipyard base and invest in recruitment and training of shipyard workers and mariners. The coalition is highlighting the need to efficiently utilize and grow domestic shipbuilding and repair capacity to increase the workforce at Boston Ship Repair and across the country.  

    “Our shipbuilding and ship-repair industries have a tremendous impact on our national security and our ability to maintain freedom of navigation for all nations,” said Rep. Lynch. “Today we are facing a critical shortage among our U.S. shipbuilding and repair capacity, and we are falling behind in production and upkeep of both our commercial and naval vessels. We must continue to make substantial federal investments in our shipyards and ship-repair facilities in order to maintain our position in the world. I am grateful to my congressional colleagues, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney and Jared Golden for traveling to Boston Ship Repair in South Boston today to join me to show support for our shipbuilding and ship-repair industry. My thanks as well to International Machinists Union VP David Sullivan, BSR owner Jon Cronin, CEO Ed Snyder, and IAM Local President Andre Lavertue and all the union members of the IAM for their continued support of our regional ship-repair industry.”

    “Revitalizing American shipbuilding is critical to our national and economic security. It’s a bipartisan goal in Washington, and we need to use all of our available shipyard capacity to get the job done if we’re going to deliver on it,” said Rep. Courtney. “We must provide American shipyards and shipbuilders, like Boston Ship Repair, with the demand they need to make investments in their future and the future of our domestic shipbuilding industry.”

    “American national and economic security depends on urgent and long overdue investments in our shipbuilding and repair industry,” said IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “That’s why the IAM Union has led the way toward tougher trade rules on China, much-needed investments in U.S. shipyard workers, and a strong call for the efficient use of our existing shipyards, like Boston Ship Repair. We’re incredibly grateful for our champions in this fight, including Congressmen Lynch, Courtney and Golden.”

    “We’ve invested in Boston Ship Repair because we believe in its potential—not just as a business, but as a critical national asset,” said Boston Ship Repair Owner Jon Cronin. “With a highly skilled union workforce, proven infrastructure, and the experience to deliver, BSR stands ready to be part of the solution to America’s shipyard capacity crisis. But we can’t do it alone. Without consistent work and federal investment, this vital facility — and the hundreds of jobs it sustains — are at risk. We’re calling on Congress and the Navy to recognize BSR not just as a shipyard, but as a strategic pillar of the defense industrial base. With immediate support, we can expand our capacity, modernize our infrastructure, and begin reducing the Navy’s repair backlog today — while preserving American maritime strength for generations to come.”

    Boston Ship Repair is one of the largest docks on the Eastern and Gulf Coasts and can handle vessels up to 1,000 feet with a 105-foot beam. It provides vessel maintenance, repair, overhaul and conversion services for domestic, international and government customers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Safety of New Zealanders in Middle East paramount

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The safety of New Zealanders in the Middle East is a pressing priority for the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. 

     “We do not want New Zealanders in harm’s way,” Mr Peters says. 

    “While we face very serious practical constraints of a conflict zone and closed airspace, we will continue to do all we can to help,” Mr Peters says.

     “The New Zealand Government’s long-standing advice for New Zealanders has been ‘do not travel’ to Iran and the events we’re facing there now are exactly why that advice has been in place.

     “We continue to urge New Zealanders in Israel and Iran to leave if they can safely do so, and to shelter in place if they cannot,” Mr Peters says. 

     “The New Zealand Government is exploring options for evacuating New Zealanders once it is safe to do so. But the fact remains, though, that air space reopening could be weeks away and so New Zealanders should be doing everything they can to leave now if they can find a safe route.

     “We know consular partners are considering evacuation flights once air space opens again. As is always the case, we are in close coordination with Australia, and in discussions with them and others about their plans and how we can assist each other. 

     “MFAT has also approached airlines in the region to seek information on possible commercial options once air space reopens. 

     “In the meantime, MFAT has provided advice to registered New Zealanders on overland border exits and will continue to do so in the coming days.”

     Overnight, New Zealand’s Embassy in Tehran was temporarily closed, with two staff and their family members evacuated by land to Azerbaijan.

     “An opportunity arose overnight to get our Embassy staff out of Iran, as part of a convoy alongside government officials from other countries,” Mr Peters says. 

    “The New Zealand Government has a duty of care to its staff posted overseas, so we did the responsible thing to get them out of harm’s way.

     “If and when opportunities arise to assist the departure of other New Zealanders in Iran and Israel, we will pursue them with urgency.

      “Any New Zealanders still in Iran should leave overland as soon as possible if they consider it safe to do so.”

     Those in need of urgent consular assistance should contact MFAT’s 24/7 Consular Emergency Call Centre (+64 99 20 20 20). The Ministry is continuing to provide support through the New Zealand Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye and the temporary deployment of a consular team to Azerbaijan. 

     A decision on the future of the New Zealand Embassy in Iran will be made at a later date. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Legislation considered under suspension of the Rules of the House of Representatives during the week of June 23, 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives announces bills that will be considered under suspension of the rules in that chamber. Under suspension, floor debate is limited, all floor amendments are prohibited, points of order against the bill are waived, and final passage requires a two-thirds majority vote.

    At the request of the Majority Leader and the House Committee on the Budget, CBO estimates the effects of those bills on direct spending and revenues. CBO has limited time to review the legislation before consideration. Although it is possible in most cases to determine whether the legislation would affect direct spending or revenues, time may be insufficient to estimate the magnitude of those effects. If CBO has prepared estimates for similar or identical legislation, a more detailed assessment of budgetary effects, including effects on spending subject to appropriation, may be included.

    CBO’s estimates of the bills that have been posted for possible consideration under suspension of the rules during the week of June 23, 2025, include:

    • H.R. 260, No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act, as amended
    • H.R. 910, Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 1082, Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act
    • H.R. 1190, Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act, as amended
    • H.R. 1520, Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act
    • H.R. 1664, Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 1679, Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2025
    • H.R. 1713, Agricultural Risk Review Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 1737, To direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria
    • H.R. 1767, Awning Safety Act of 2025
    • H.R. 1998, Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 2225, Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act, as amended
    • H.R. 2269, WIPPES Act
    • H.R. 2481, Romance Scam Prevention Act
    • H.R. 2808, Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, as amended
    • H.R. 3301, ELEVATE Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 3352, HALOS Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 3381, Encouraging Public Offerings Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 3394, Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act, as amended
    • H.R. 3422, Promoting Opportunities for Non-Traditional Capital Formation Act, as amended
    • H. Res. __, Condemning the attacks on Minnesota lawmakers in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota, and calling for unity and the rejection of political violence in Minnesota and across the United States

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Kaine Host “The Big Beautiful Betrayal—Working Folks Pay While the Mega-Rich Profit” Spotlight Forum

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 18, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), both members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, on Tuesday hosted “The Big Beautiful Betrayal—Working Folks Pay While The Mega Rich Profit,” a spotlight forum to highlight how President Donald Trump and Republicans’ tax bill would make major spending cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other vital programs that families across the country rely on in order to pay for a massive tax cut for the ultra-wealthy. The forum featured individuals who could be affected by the tax bill’s massive cuts to government programs and subject-matter experts.

    Murphy emphasized the Republican tax bill will disproportionately harm working class Americans, while directly benefiting the top 1%: “Why this bill feels like a betrayal is because, as written, it makes life infinitely harder for the very people that we are supposed to be fighting hardest for: the people who are working every day, playing by the rules, often dealing with traumas and difficult life circumstances… Upwards of 40% of all American households, if this bill is implemented, will be poorer – poorer – because of it, while the very rich and the very affluent will be much richer. The very richest families in this country will get an average $270,000 tax cut because of this bill.”

    Murphy stressed that tens of thousands of Americans will die due to the Republican tax bill’s cuts to Medicaid: “When you’re talking about almost $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, when you’re talking about throwing upwards of 16 million people off of their health care, you are talking about life and death stakes. This isn’t just about impacting the quality of someone’s life. This is about ending people’s lives. One research estimate is that 42,000 lives could be lost each year because of the disenrollments in [Medicaid] and the marketplace coverage.”

    Murphy additionally highlighted that rural communities will be among those hardest hit by the Republican tax bill: “Up to 340 rural hospitals could close. 33 hospitals in Louisiana could close, 35 hospitals in Kentucky could close, 40% of the rural hospital capacity in Alaska could disappear if this bill is passed. So even if you keep your coverage, even if you are lucky enough not to be one of the people that are thrown off their care, your life could be impacted because your ability to get your loved one to an emergency room when you need it could disappear.” 

    Murphy concluded: “This is bad policy, but it’s fundamentally immoral. It’s a moral abomination. And what we know is that we have power, that this bill has not passed, it has not been signed by the president. And until it has passed and until it is on the way to the White House, then we need to use every bit of leverage that we have to try to stop something that is this deeply unethical and immoral, contrary to the very best traditions of this country, from becoming law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA extends condolences following plane accident in India

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA extends condolences following plane accident in India

    • Date：2025-06-12
    • Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    June 12, 2025
    No. 205

    On June 12, Air India flight 171 crashed shortly after taking off from the airport in Ahmedabad in western India. On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) promptly conveyed condolences to the India-Taipei Association and instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in India to also express sympathies to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. 

    In addition, TECC in India and TECC in Mumbai, after contacting relevant Indian agencies, have so far determined that no Taiwanese nationals were on the accident flight. MOFA and its missions in India will continue to closely follow developments, maintain contact with Indian agencies, and provide necessary assistance in a timely manner.

    Taiwanese nationals visiting India who require emergency assistance may call the hotlines of TECC in India (+91-9810642658), TECC in Mumbai (+91-8850842243), or TECC in Chennai (+91-9600099511). They may also ask friends or family in Taiwan to call the MOFA emergency hotline (0800-085-095). (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026

    • Date：2025-06-14
    • Data Source：Bureau of Consular Affairs

    June 14, 2025

    In line with efforts to promote the New Southbound Policy (NSP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) convened a meeting on April 16 with relevant government agencies on further improving visa measures for nationals of NSP partner countries traveling to Taiwan. The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of existing visa and entry measures, focusing on the trial visa-free entry program for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines; the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries; and conditional visa-free entry through the Online Application for R.O.C. (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme for nationals of Southeast Asian countries.

    After evaluating the effectiveness of the above measures over the past years, participating agencies decided to extend the trial visa-free entry program for one year for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. In addition, the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries will be extended for a further year through December 31, 2026, and the conditional visa-free entry through the TAC scheme will remain in place.

    MOFA will continue to review and fine-tune visa policies, with a view to strengthening bilateral relations and attracting more visitors while ensuring border and public security. MOFA will also continue to communicate with the governments of related countries to enhance visa treatment for Taiwan nationals and make their overseas travel more convenient.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin presents Friendship Medal of Diplomacy to former French Senator Gattolin

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin presents Friendship Medal of Diplomacy to former French Senator Gattolin

    • Date：2025-06-16
    • Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    June 16, 2025  

    No. 211  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung presented the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy to former French Senator André Gattolin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on the morning of June 16 in recognition of his long-standing efforts to promote Taiwan-France relations and his staunch support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.

     

    In his speech, Minister Lin stated that Mr. Gattolin had long been a good friend of Taiwan in the French Senate, sparing no effort to speak up for Taiwan over the years. He pointed out that during the COVID-19 outbreak of 2020, Mr. Gattolin had taken the lead in bringing together a total of 110 members from both chambers of the French Parliament to sign an open letter calling for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization, helping Taiwan gain widespread recognition in France and paving the way for the first passage of resolutions supportive of Taiwan in 2021 by both chambers. 

     

    He also mentioned that Mr. Gattolin had worked with French parliamentarians friendly to Taiwan to facilitate the adoption of the seven-year Military Programming Law in 2023, reiterating France’s continued defense of freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. He added that during Mr. Gattolin’s tenure as French cochair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in 2020, he had enthusiastically encouraged French parliamentarians to participate in various IPAC initiatives. On behalf of MOFA, Minister Lin extended sincere appreciation to Mr. Gattolin for having actively deepened Taiwan-France relations and expressed hope that he would continue to leverage his influence to further this bilateral friendship.

     

    Mr. Gattolin said in his remarks that the honor of receiving the medal was not only a recognition of him personally but also a commendation of the French Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group. He observed that the French Parliament’s support for Taiwan had continued to expand, noting that the Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group had grown to over 60 members and that they continued to exhort the French government to attach greater importance to Taiwan. He stated that he was profoundly pleased to have been able to facilitate the training of Taiwan’s Olympic and Paralympic teams in his electoral district of Levallois-Perret last year. And as current vice chair of the IPAC Alumni Council, Mr. Gattolin affirmed that he continued to pay close attention to the situation across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.

     

    Deputy Director of the French Office in Taipei Cléa Le Cardeur, former Minister of Taiwan’s Council for Cultural Affairs Tchen Yu-chiou, and Chair of the Egret Cultural and Educational Foundation Lu Chia-hui attended the award ceremony and offered their congratulations. The atmosphere was heartfelt and earnest. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Xia Baolong arrives in HK

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong arrived in Hong Kong this evening.

    Mr Xia will attend the 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on June 21. He will also take the opportunity to inspect the latest economic and social developments of Hong Kong.

    Upon arrival in Hong Kong, Mr Xia went to Government House to meet Chief Executive John Lee and heads of the executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary, and had exchanges with senior officials of the Hong Kong SAR Government.

    Mr Lee expressed gratitude to Mr Xia for his continued concern and support for Hong Kong. He also extended his warmest welcome to Mr Xia on his visit to Hong Kong for the forum and inspection.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Launches PATH NC – Statewide Child Welfare Information System to Support Better Outcomes for Children and Families

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Launches PATH NC – Statewide Child Welfare Information System to Support Better Outcomes for Children and Families

    NCDHHS Launches PATH NC – Statewide Child Welfare Information System to Support Better Outcomes for Children and Families
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    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the launch of PATH NC (Partnership and Technology Hub for North Carolina), a new statewide information system that marks a major step forward in modernizing the administration of child welfare services. PATH NC equips child welfare staff with real-time data and decision-making tools to better protect children and to improve outcomes for children and families across the state.

    Until now, North Carolina’s 100 county departments of social services, who administer child welfare services, have operated with a patchwork of independent data systems – nearly half of counties are still largely reliant on manual processes and paper records for child welfare operations. PATH NC will bring all 100 counties together for the first time into a unified system.

    “PATH NC is more than a technology upgrade – it’s an investment in North Carolina’s children and families,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “By providing social services staff with better tools, clearer data and integrated support, we are laying the foundation for a safer, more responsive child welfare system that delivers better, more consistent results – no matter where you live.”

    NCDHHS’ goal for PATH NC was not merely to create a system that collects information, but also to improve child welfare practice through evidence-based tools and actionable insights for the workforce. While developing the new system, the department worked in close collaboration with county leaders to fully redesign the state’s Structured Decision-Making (SDM) tools. Nationally certified by Evident Change for accuracy and consistent results, the new SDM tools within PATH NC help frontline staff better identify and assess risk and safety concerns when responding to reports of child abuse or neglect.

    Over the last five years, NCDHHS has worked hand-in-hand with North Carolina’s county departments of social services to plan, develop and test both PATH NC and the SDM tools. The department’s projected total investment for the new system’s design, development, training and implementation is approximately $65 million. An early review of cases supported by PATH NC and the new SDM tools shows promising results – county intake decisions are consistently aligned with state policies and best practice in child protective services.

    “We’ve built PATH NC from the ground up in collaboration with county leaders to ensure it meets the current, real-world needs of North Carolina’s child welfare social workers,” said NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being Michael Leighs. “It’s designed to improve the everyday experience of staff while making it easier to track, report and respond to what’s happening in real time. PATH NC is a critical part of our work to transform the child welfare system and improve the lives of children and families in North Carolina.”

    The new system aligns with NCDHHS’ broader efforts to strengthen system oversight and modernize service delivery. Key features of PATH NC include:

    • Mobile-Friendly Design – The system supports documentation from the field, including some offline functionality, so that staff can update case records while conducting assessments, facilitating family visits, attending court and more.
    • Decision-Making Tools – PATH NC’s new certified SDM tools provide built-in risk and safety assessments, dashboards and real-time alerts for county staff and supervisors.
    • Advanced Capabilities – The system features global search functionality, comprehensive data analytics and dashboards. The platform also has the capability to add automated policy support functions and dedicated portals for providers and families in the future.
    • Comprehensive Case Management – Fully implemented, PATH NC will include modules for intake, assessment, in-home services, foster care, adoption, financials, licensing and eligibility all together in one system.
    • Data Accessibility – Once all counties have transitioned to PATH NC, staff will be able to access statewide data, including a family’s full history with child welfare services, regardless of whether they move or transfer to a different county.
    • Integrated Systems – PATH NC is designed to interface with other child-serving systems such as NC Medicaid, the NC Department of Public Instruction and other partner agencies in the future, which will streamline information sharing and reduce administrative burden across the system.

    The statewide rollout of PATH NC began June 2, 2025, with an initial cohort of 15 counties using the system to support child welfare intakes and assessments. Over the next eight months, all remaining counties will transition to PATH NC for intake and assessment. Implementation for ongoing case management modules will begin in early 2026 and is anticipated to be completed in summer 2026. This phased rollout allows NCDHHS to provide targeted training and individualized support as each cohort of counties prepares to transition to PATH NC. The department will continue to update and improve the system based on user feedback throughout the implementation process.

    “PATH NC is going to be a game changer for the state, and we’re excited to be among the first counties leading the way,” said Christa Smith, Director of Forsyth County DSS. “The system gives our staff the right tools to make timely, informed decisions, and it gives our supervisors the data they need to identify trends and improve practice. We look forward to seeing everything PATH NC will do for us and our DSS partners across the state.”

    PATH NC is a critical step forward in NCDHHS’ ongoing effort to transform child welfare in North Carolina through systemic change, increased access to services, better data and stronger alignment among state and county systems. By streamlining documentation processes and providing real-time access to child welfare data for users across the system, PATH NC offers more opportunity for state and county staff to pinpoint trends or challenges in child welfare practice and address them sooner – ultimately leading to a stronger system and better outcomes for children and families.

    To learn more about ongoing initiatives to transform child welfare services in North Carolina, read NCDHHS’ Transforming Child Welfare in North Carolina: A Unified Vision for Children and Families. 

    Click here for NCDHHS B-roll footage of PATH NC for intake and assessments.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte anunció hoy el lanzamiento del centro de colaboración y tecnología PATH NC (Partnership and Technology Hub for North Carolina), un nuevo sistema de información estatal que marca un importante paso adelante en la modernización de la administración de los servicios de bienestar infantil. PATH NC equipa al personal de bienestar infantil con datos en tiempo real y herramientas de toma de decisiones para proteger mejor a los niños y mejorar los resultados para los niños y las familias en todo el estado.

    Hasta ahora, los 100 departamentos de servicios sociales del condado de Carolina del Norte que administran los servicios de bienestar infantil han operado con una mezcla de sistemas de datos independientes: casi la mitad de los condados todavía dependen en gran medida de procesos manuales y registros en papel para las operaciones de bienestar infantil. PATH NC reunirá a los 100 condados por primera vez en un sistema unificado.

    “PATH NC es más que una actualización tecnológica: es una inversión en los niños y las familias de Carolina del Norte”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Dev Sangvai. “Al proporcionar al personal de servicios sociales mejores herramientas, datos más claros y apoyo integrado, estamos sentando las bases para un sistema de bienestar infantil más seguro y receptivo que ofrece resultados mejores y más consistentes, sin importar dónde viva”.

    El objetivo del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) para PATH NC no era simplemente crear un sistema que recopile información, sino también mejorar la práctica de bienestar infantil a través de herramientas basadas en evidencia e información procesable para la fuerza laboral. Mientras desarrollaba el nuevo sistema, el departamento trabajó en estrecha colaboración con los líderes del condado para rediseñar completamente las herramientas de toma de decisiones estructuradas del estado (Structured Decision-Making, o SDM, por sus siglas en inglés). Las nuevas herramientas de SDM dentro de PATH NC están certificadas a nivel nacional por Evident Change por su precisión y resultados consistentes y ayudan al personal de primera línea a identificar y evaluar mejor los riesgos y las preocupaciones de seguridad al responder a los reportes de abuso o negligencia infantil.

    Durante los últimos cinco años, el NCDHHS ha trabajado mano a mano con los departamentos de servicios sociales del condado de Carolina del Norte para planificar, desarrollar y probar tanto PATH NC como las herramientas de SDM. La inversión total proyectada del departamento para el diseño, desarrollo, capacitación e implementación del nuevo sistema es de aproximadamente $ 65 millones. Una revisión temprana de los casos respaldados por PATH NC y las nuevas herramientas de SDM muestra resultados prometedores: las decisiones de admisión del condado están alineadas consistentemente con las políticas estatales y las mejores prácticas en los servicios de protección infantil.

    “Hemos construido PATH NC desde cero en colaboración con los líderes del condado para garantizar que satisfaga las necesidades actuales y reales de los trabajadores sociales de bienestar infantil de Carolina del Norte”, dijo Michael Leighs, subsecretario de Oportunidades y Bienestar del NCDHHS. “Está diseñado para mejorar la experiencia diaria del personal al tiempo que facilita el seguimiento, la presentación de informes y la respuesta a lo que está sucediendo en tiempo real. PATH NC es una parte fundamental de nuestro trabajo para transformar el sistema de bienestar infantil y mejorar las vidas de los niños y las familias en Carolina del Norte “.

    El nuevo sistema se alinea con los esfuerzos más amplios del NCDHHS para fortalecer la supervisión del sistema y modernizar la prestación de servicios. Las características clave de PATH NC incluyen:

    • Diseño compatible con dispositivos móviles: el sistema admite documentación desde el campo, incluidas algunas funciones fuera de línea, para que el personal pueda actualizar los registros de casos mientras realiza evaluaciones, facilita visitas familiares, asiste a la corte y más.
    • Herramientas de toma de decisiones: Las nuevas herramientas certificadas de SDM de PATH NC proporcionan evaluaciones integradas de riesgos y seguridad, tableros y alertas en tiempo real para el personal y los supervisores del condado.
    • Capacidades avanzadas: el sistema cuenta con funcionalidad de búsqueda global, análisis de datos completos y tableros. La plataforma también tiene la capacidad de agregar funciones automatizadas de apoyo de políticas y portales dedicados para proveedores y familias en el futuro.
    • Gestión integral de casos: Completamente implementado, PATH NC incluirá módulos para admisión, evaluación, servicios en el hogar, cuidado de crianza, adopción, finanzas, licencias y elegibilidad, todo en un solo sistema.
    • Acceso a datos: Una vez que todos los condados hayan hecho la transición a PATH NC, el personal podrá acceder a los datos de todo el estado, incluido el historial completo de una familia con los servicios de bienestar infantil, independientemente de si se mudan o se transfieren a un condado diferente.
    • Sistemas integrados: PATH NC está diseñado para interactuar con otros sistemas de servicio infantil como NC Medicaid, el Departamento de Instrucción Pública de Carolina del Norte y otras agencias asociadas en el futuro, lo que agilizará el intercambio de información y reducirá la carga administrativa en todo el sistema.

    El despliegue estatal de PATH NC comenzó el 2 de junio de 2025, con un conjunto inicial de 15 condados que utilizan el sistema para apoyar las admisiones y evaluaciones de bienestar infantil. Durante los próximos ocho meses, todos los condados restantes harán la transición a PATH NC para admisiones y evaluaciones. La implementación de los módulos de gestión de casos en curso comenzará a principios de 2026 y se espera que se complete en el verano de 2026. Esta implementación gradual permite al NCDHHS proporcionar capacitación específica y apoyo individualizado a medida que cada conjunto de condados se prepara para la transición a PATH NC. El departamento continuará actualizando y mejorando el sistema en función de los comentarios de los usuarios durante todo el proceso de implementación.

    “PATH NC va a cambiar las reglas del juego para el estado, y estamos entusiasmados de estar entre los primeros condados que lideran el camino”, dijo Christa Smith, directora del Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado de Forsyth. “El sistema brinda a nuestro personal las herramientas adecuadas para tomar decisiones oportunas e informadas, y brinda a nuestros supervisores los datos que necesitan para identificar tendencias y mejorar la práctica. Esperamos ver todo lo que PATH NC hará por nosotros y nuestros socios del Departamento de Servicios Sociales en todo el estado “.

    PATH NC es un paso crítico en el esfuerzo continuo del NCDHHS para transformar el bienestar infantil en Carolina del Norte a través de un cambio sistémico, un mayor acceso a los servicios, mejores datos y una mayor alineación entre los sistemas estatales y del condado. Al agilizar los procesos de documentación y proporcionar acceso en tiempo real a los datos de bienestar infantil para los usuarios de todo el sistema, PATH NC ofrece más oportunidades para que el personal estatal y del condado identifique tendencias o desafíos en la práctica de bienestar infantil y los aborde antes, lo que en última instancia conduce a un sistema más sólido y mejores resultados para los niños y las familias.

    Para obtener más información sobre las iniciativas en curso para transformar los servicios de bienestar infantil en Carolina del Norte, lea Transforming Child Welfare in North Carolina: A Unified Vision for Children and Families del NCDHHS. 

    Haga clic aquí para ver el video adicional del NCDHHS de PATH NC para la admisión y las evaluaciones.

    Jun 18, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson declares victory in Supreme Court ruling upholding Tennessee’s law banning child gender-transitionsRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson today applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Tennessee’s law banning gender-transition procedures for minors, marking a major victory for common sense, parental rights, and the protection of vulnerable children.

    “This is a win for sanity and for the safety of our kids,” said Attorney General Wilson. “From the start, my office stood with Tennessee, filing legal briefs, attending the Supreme Court hearing, and defending the rights of states to keep kids safe from being the left’s guinea pigs for dangerous, experimental, and irreversible medical procedures disguised as healthcare.

    I was proud to personally stand on the steps of the Supreme Court during oral arguments and declare what so many Americans know to be true: children are not political pawns, and states have both the right and the responsibility to protect them.

    In South Carolina, we backed this fight every step of the way. We joined multi-state legal briefs defending Tennessee’s law in federal court, supported Florida’s similar legislation, and proudly pushed for our own ‘Help Not Harm’ law to shield minors from experimental and irreversible medical procedures.

    Today’s decision affirms what we’ve long argued that there is no constitutional right to subject children to life-altering, experimental medical interventions. The Court has made clear: states do not have to surrender to radical gender ideology. We will continue to stand up for parents, for biological reality, and for the truth.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister for the Cabinet Office speech at Constitution Unit Conference

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Minister for the Cabinet Office speech at Constitution Unit Conference

    Delivered on Wednesday 18th of June 2025 by The Rt Hon. Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office.

    Introduction

    It’s a pleasure to be here with you all.

    Before I start, let me commend the Constitution Unit…

    …not just for hosting today’s conference…

    …but for – this year – reaching its 30th birthday. 

    Don’t worry, I’m not going to sing…

    …but I will sing your praises…just a little.

    The esteem in which you are held speaks to the high quality and rigor of your work…

    …and I could not imagine a better audience to speak to on today’s topic.

    Today, I want to focus on Constitutional reform…

    …what it means for our democracy…

    …and, most importantly, what it means for the public.

    But before I start talking about the future, I would like to focus – briefly – on the past.

    Magna Carta

    This year, we celebrate the 800th Anniversary of the 1225 edition of Magna Carta.

    The definitive edition that, arguably, set the template for the United States Declaration of Independence…

    …and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

    It may be surprising, then, to learn that the original Magna Carta from 1215 was revoked as quickly as it was ratified.

    King John wrote to Pope Innocent the Third to repudiate the agreement that he himself had struck…

    …and it was annulled a few months after it was sealed.

    As the comedian David Mitchell puts it: “King John thought the country was his to do with what he liked…

    …and the idea that the Kingdom could generate rules that he would then have to obey was absurd to him…

    …as if a billionaire found a ‘No Diving’ sign next to their private swimming pool”.

    But it was the determination of a few people that ensured it was reintroduced…

    …ratified by King John’s son, Henry III, and found its proper place on the statute book.

    Magna Carta began a constitutional thread…

    …to the Bill of Rights in 1689, which established parliamentary sovereignty and the right to free election…

    …the Reform Acts of the 19th Century, which led to the modern electoral system…

    …all the way up to the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law through the Human Rights Act 1998.

    For one of the country’s oldest historic written documents, it still delivers a few new surprises…

    …with Harvard University recently uncovering a Magna Carta original from 1300, after believing it was a much more recent copy. 

    Recent Context

    But what isn’t surprising is what a foundation that Magna Carta creates for our modern constitution…

    …made up of laws, conventions and rules…

    …that, crucially, outlined how no one person is above the law…

    …and that we must all be held to the same standard.

    That’s right in historical principle…

    …but when it comes to Government, has that always been the modern practice?

    To put it plainly: we have reached record levels of distrust and dissatisfaction with how the Government works…

    …and how it can get things done.

    The most recent National Centre for Social Research report found that 45% of people surveyed say they ‘almost never’ trust governments – of any party – to place the needs of the nation above their political party.

    That is at one level a remarkable statistic – but it is hardly surprising. 

    [political content removed]

    No wonder people became exhausted with Westminster… it felt like politics wasn’t working for them.

    What a shocking indictment of our political and constitutional system.

    Especially, when I know the change I can help secure for my constituents through Parliament…

    …and how MPs across parties are motivated by making a difference.

    Parliament remains the forum through which the British people can give an instruction for change.

    …but that is not to say it cannot – or should not – be strengthened.

    Nor is it to say that we should not, always, be looking at the adequacy of checks and balances.

    But, fundamentally, I believe that, through that change, we can restore the public’s faith in our constitution…

    …restore their capacity to feel like political choices can make their lives better… 

    …and make ordinary people feel like they have a stake.

    That couldn’t be more important to this Government. 

    [political content removed]

    Driven by the desire for change. To rebuild our country. National renewal. Returning politics to public service.

    These were not just words on a leaflet. They were something we felt angry about, driven by.

    After fourteen years, we have the opportunity to make people feel like they have a stake in their communities again…

    …a stake in their country again…

    …for people to see their politicians governing as an act of public service, not personal gratification.

    To put country before party.

    Changes to Date

    And we can do this in sensible ways, with tangible steps.

    Take the small task of restoring trust. 

    All of us in this room know that accountability and integrity are core parts of protecting our constitution.

    But what do those things mean to the majority of the population? 

    How can we show action … 

    …convey what that action represents, 

    …and what it will do. 

    If we want to govern in the name of public service, we need to show we care about it.

    That is why we brought in changes – holding our Government Ministers to account in a much stronger way than ever before. 

    The Prime Minister has given the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards the power to independently initiate investigations…

    …without retaining a veto. 

    And the new Ministerial Code, published in November last year, strengthened and clarified standards across the board…

    …enshrining the ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’ directly into the Code. 

    For too long, standards slipped…

    …and few were interested in re-establishing the ideals and principles that should define the Government’s work.

    This is precisely what the Prime Minister promised… 

    …that we would get a grip on the problems we face. 

    And, crucially, that we would be judged by our actions, not by our words. 

    This is a Government focused on national renewal…

    …and, as part of that renewal, embedding higher standards in public life. 

    House of Lords

    Nowhere is our desire for sensible change more evident than in the House of Lords…

    …and the reforms we are finally bringing to that Chamber. 

    Now, I know that there are many hardworking Peers across the Lords…

    …I am incredibly fortunate, in working in the Cabinet Office, to work alongside the Leader of the House of Lords. 

    Peers are, undeniably, a crucial part of our democracy…

    …who use their expertise and experience to ensure legislation is scrutinised to an incredibly high standard.

    But that doesn’t mean we cannot improve it. 

    This belief is at the heart of our Hereditary Peers Bill, which is soon to have its Report Stage in the House of Lords.

    It is shaping up to be the largest constitutional reform to Parliament in the last 25 years…

    …and it was introduced in our first 100 days in office. 

    This could not be more important. 

    It is wholly indefensible that, in the 21st century, there are seats in our legislature allocated by an accident of birth. 

    So, finally, that historic wrong is being put right. 

    It is, in an important way, a gesture towards young people across our country. 

    I want people growing up in Blaenavon, Pontypool and Cwmbran in my constituency…

    …and, indeed, in every part of the country…

    …to feel that they have the same chance as anyone else to play a part in making the laws of the land.

    To remove the barriers, piece by piece, to ordinary people being able to feel like they have a stake in politics, and in parliamentary democracy.

    This sits alongside our other manifesto commitments on Lords reform…

    …like setting a retirement age, minimum participation requirements and making the appointments process more transparent

    …all making Parliament fit for modern Britain. 

    House of Commons

    But our ideas of constitutional reform are not solely focused on the House of Lords.

    No, we must look at the Commons, too…

    …and consider what we could improve. 

    So much of our constitution is wrapped up in the tradition displayed in the Commons. 

    Everything from the architecture, the layout, the procedures…

    …so much of it is symbolic of parliamentary sovereignty…

    …and the great tradition of open parliamentary debate. 

    But while tradition and ritual often protects the principles of our constitution, it can sometimes become a barrier if not updated for today’s world.

    I know that the vast majority of our MPs work hard to serve their constituents…

    …but they can often find that work is hamstrung by arcane procedures and outdated working practices.

    We should not forget that over half of MPs elected in the most recent General Election are new to Parliament.

    So, we need to make sure that the Commons is brought into the 21st Century…

    …and that these new MPs are able to navigate the historic system and use it to create modern, progressive change. 

    This is the precise objective of our Modernisation Committee.

    It’s headed up by my ministerial colleague, the Leader of the House of Commons…

    …and is considering many important issues to make the Commons more up-to-date so that MPs are enabled to deliver for their constituents.

    Everything from the accessibility of the physical parliamentary estate…

    …as well as the accessibility of procedures, language and information.

    It will also examine how to use MPs’ time better…

    …ensuring that sitting hours provide enough time to scrutinise legislation…

    …and give backbenchers a fair opportunity to raise issues on behalf of their constituents.

    The Modernisation Committee has, building on the changes we made in July 2024, asked the Committee on Standards to go further… 

    …exploring how the rules on MPs outside interests can be tightened even further, to ensure MPs are prioritising their constituents…

    …as I know the vast majority already do.

    This is all about making sure that those who turn up in Westminster are not blocked from speaking up for those they represent.

    Union and Devolution

    But I wouldn’t want anyone listening to think that we’re solely focused on what’s going on in Westminster. 

    England is one of the most centralised countries…

    …and my colleague the Deputy Prime Minister and I believe that it’s time we change that. 

    That’s why, in the English Devolution White Paper, we set out our plans to move power out of Westminster…

    …and move it back to those who know their areas best.

    We need to ensure that there is proper devolution throughout England…

    …and hand more power over to cities and communities to make the changes they see needed.

    I believe that devolution is crucial if we want communities to combat the challenges they recognise as uniquely their own…

    …while giving ordinary people a greater stake in shaping their region. 

    Only with strong local leadership and empowered institutions will we fix the foundations of the economy…

    …and bring about the kind of economic growth that is at the very heart of our ‘Plan for Change’.

    But it would be a mistake to think that the UK Government is only concerned with England. 

    We are a government of and for the whole of the UK. 

    My own constituency is in Wales…

    …and many of my ministerial colleagues are from Scotland. 

    But even if we weren’t, the UK Government has a responsibility for the entire UK. 

    Which is why the nations are – and always will be – at the heart of our thinking.

    In fact, an important part of delivering on our missions is rebuilding the UK Government’s  relationship with the devolved governments. 

    We’re putting an end to the disrespect that has been shown to the legitimate devolved Governments and Parliaments…

    …and focusing on a future built on partnership and recognition. 

    We introduced the Council of the Nations and Regions…

    …which creates genuine partnership between the UK Government, the devolved governments, and the mayors of England’s regions. 

    This has met twice since the General Election, most recently on 23rd May…

    …when the discussion was on trade and AI…

    …and how we can harness its potential and use it across the public sector to improve services.

    It’s about letting local leaders have more of a say…

    …and we will work together across the UK on legislation…

    …strengthening the Sewel Convention, which defines how the UK Government interacts with devolved legislatures.  

    A new Memorandum of Understanding will underpin this work. 

    It has been 25 years since power was devolved to governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland…

    …and it is through strengthening this partnership that we can make sure that all UK-wide decisions don’t just benefit one part of our nation…

    …but are made in the national interest – with every region and nation contributing, and shaping, that interest.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, I would like to thank you for joining me today…

    …and UCL, for putting on this important conference. 

    Outside of these four walls, the phrase ‘constitutional reform’ may not immediately mean much to the ordinary person.

    But they are more than familiar with the rationale for it. 

    Politics that feels divorced from their day-to-day lives…

    …decisions about their local area being made in another nation…

    …a system that seems to safeguard a ‘do as I say, not as I do’ approach to public life. 

    All that has to change…

    …and this Government is making that a reality. 

    We are serious about ensuring our political systems represent every member of our society.

    This isn’t going to be an overnight change…

    …but we have shown – whether it’s in the Lords, the Commons or in our approach to devolution, this is a Government that has heard the calls for change.

    People want to have more of a stake in how they live their lives…

    …and they want a system of Government that represents and empowers them. 

    Through our constitution’s historic foundations, we are building a modern and thriving society…

    …one that serves the people of this country better than before.

    Thank you very much.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Great British Railways in action – passengers benefit from track and train being united on South Eastern Railway

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Great British Railways in action – passengers benefit from track and train being united on South Eastern Railway

    Collaboration has seen consistently low levels of cancellations, with operational costs expected to reduce by £50 million every year.

    Credit: South Eastern Railway

    • Southeastern and Network Rail unite to operate under a single, more efficient leadership team known as South Eastern Railway 
    • under public ownership, Southeastern are delivering some of the lowest cancellation rates nationally and has forecast a £50 million reduction in taxpayer subsidy
    • South Eastern Railway marks a significant milestone towards Great British Railways and creating clear accountability for performance, delivering better public transport

    Southeastern and Network Rail Kent route have united under a single leadership team to drive investment and efficiency and deliver for passengers and freight in an important step towards Great British Railways (GBR). Further regional arrangements will come into place as other services transfer into public ownership.

    Operating as the South Eastern Railway team and overseen by Managing Director Steve White, the streamlined structure will allow for a more responsive railway with a common purpose and clear accountability for railway performance across the network.

    Already under public ownership, Southeastern has been able to work increasingly closely with Network Rail, which manages railway infrastructure, for over a year. This collaborative approach has resulted in greater efficiency with better, faster decisions for customers and taxpayers, leading to an improved railway. For example:

    • consistently low levels of cancellations
    • customer satisfaction at 86%
    • subsidy required to operate Southeastern expected to reduce by £50 million year on year

    Joint planning has led to more efficient and innovative solutions for reducing delays. This includes enabling engineers to access the track during the day to carry out repairs more efficiently, while maintaining a service for customers. Collaboration has also seen the railway trial drones up and down the network to identify and reduce incidents of trespass. More joined-up working also means matching trains to when passengers want to take them, delivering at least £3 million a year in additional revenue for the rail industry.

    This is a significant milestone in the government’s plans to overhaul the railways through the creation of Great British Railways, uniting train and track with the sole focus of delivering for passengers.

    This new integrated, collaborative approach across the south-east sets the path for how GBR will operate, including the high standards expected before the branding is given to operators. The standards, which will be tailored for each operator, will revolve around delivering high-performing, better-coordinated, more efficient and more responsive services.

    Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

    Track and train are 2 sides of the same coin, but for too long they have operated independently of each other – leaving customers and taxpayers to bear the consequences of this illogical approach.

    Uniting track and train leadership in the south-east is the first step in our journey to create a railway we can all be proud of; delivering the government’s Plan for Change with better connectivity, leading to more growth, jobs and homes and ultimately to the creation of Great British Railways.

    Under the new ways of working, South Eastern Railway have further plans to deliver for passengers and taxpayers over the next year/few years. This includes:

    • investing over £40 million in station improvements, including the country’s largest Access for All Scheme at Hither Green
    • modernising the rolling stock on the Metro service to deliver more accessible and passenger-focused journeys
    • fitting passenger trains with thermal imaging cameras and AI CCTV to monitor tracks and give early indications of issues that should be addressed before they affect customers – improving performance and reducing delays
    • recruiting the next generation of talent for a more inclusive and diverse workforce and delivering real social value and social mobility

    South Eastern Railway Managing Director, Steve White, said:

    We know that for our customers, what matters most is a railway they can depend on, is reliable and responsive when things go wrong. By joining together track and train under a single leadership team, with accountability for the whole railway instead of different parts, we can remove friction and make better, faster decisions to deliver a better service.

    This new way of working puts customer needs front and centre, and will deliver a more joined up, responsive and sustainable railway.

    This follows on from a watershed moment last month when South Western Railway (SWR) services became the first to transfer back into public control since the passing of the Public Ownership Bill, ending almost 30 years of fragmentation and waste under privatisation.

    Rail media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA extends condolences following plane accident in India

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA extends condolences following plane accident in India

    Date：2025-06-12
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    June 12, 2025No. 205On June 12, Air India flight 171 crashed shortly after taking off from the airport in Ahmedabad in western India. On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) promptly conveyed condolences to the India-Taipei Association and instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in India to also express sympathies to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. In addition, TECC in India and TECC in Mumbai, after contacting relevant Indian agencies, have so far determined that no Taiwanese nationals were on the accident flight. MOFA and its missions in India will continue to closely follow developments, maintain contact with Indian agencies, and provide necessary assistance in a timely manner.Taiwanese nationals visiting India who require emergency assistance may call the hotlines of TECC in India (+91-9810642658), TECC in Mumbai (+91-8850842243), or TECC in Chennai (+91-9600099511). They may also ask friends or family in Taiwan to call the MOFA emergency hotline (0800-085-095). (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026

    Date：2025-06-14
    Data Source：Bureau of Consular Affairs

    June 14, 2025In line with efforts to promote the New Southbound Policy (NSP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) convened a meeting on April 16 with relevant government agencies on further improving visa measures for nationals of NSP partner countries traveling to Taiwan. The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of existing visa and entry measures, focusing on the trial visa-free entry program for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines; the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries; and conditional visa-free entry through the Online Application for R.O.C. (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme for nationals of Southeast Asian countries.After evaluating the effectiveness of the above measures over the past years, participating agencies decided to extend the trial visa-free entry program for one year for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. In addition, the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries will be extended for a further year through December 31, 2026, and the conditional visa-free entry through the TAC scheme will remain in place.MOFA will continue to review and fine-tune visa policies, with a view to strengthening bilateral relations and attracting more visitors while ensuring border and public security. MOFA will also continue to communicate with the governments of related countries to enhance visa treatment for Taiwan nationals and make their overseas travel more convenient.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin presents Friendship Medal of Diplomacy to former French Senator Gattolin

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin presents Friendship Medal of Diplomacy to former French Senator Gattolin

    Date：2025-06-16
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    June 16, 2025  
    No. 211  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung presented the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy to former French Senator André Gattolin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on the morning of June 16 in recognition of his long-standing efforts to promote Taiwan-France relations and his staunch support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
     
    In his speech, Minister Lin stated that Mr. Gattolin had long been a good friend of Taiwan in the French Senate, sparing no effort to speak up for Taiwan over the years. He pointed out that during the COVID-19 outbreak of 2020, Mr. Gattolin had taken the lead in bringing together a total of 110 members from both chambers of the French Parliament to sign an open letter calling for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization, helping Taiwan gain widespread recognition in France and paving the way for the first passage of resolutions supportive of Taiwan in 2021 by both chambers. 
     
    He also mentioned that Mr. Gattolin had worked with French parliamentarians friendly to Taiwan to facilitate the adoption of the seven-year Military Programming Law in 2023, reiterating France’s continued defense of freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. He added that during Mr. Gattolin’s tenure as French cochair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in 2020, he had enthusiastically encouraged French parliamentarians to participate in various IPAC initiatives. On behalf of MOFA, Minister Lin extended sincere appreciation to Mr. Gattolin for having actively deepened Taiwan-France relations and expressed hope that he would continue to leverage his influence to further this bilateral friendship.
     
    Mr. Gattolin said in his remarks that the honor of receiving the medal was not only a recognition of him personally but also a commendation of the French Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group. He observed that the French Parliament’s support for Taiwan had continued to expand, noting that the Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group had grown to over 60 members and that they continued to exhort the French government to attach greater importance to Taiwan. He stated that he was profoundly pleased to have been able to facilitate the training of Taiwan’s Olympic and Paralympic teams in his electoral district of Levallois-Perret last year. And as current vice chair of the IPAC Alumni Council, Mr. Gattolin affirmed that he continued to pay close attention to the situation across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.
     
    Deputy Director of the French Office in Taipei Cléa Le Cardeur, former Minister of Taiwan’s Council for Cultural Affairs Tchen Yu-chiou, and Chair of the Egret Cultural and Educational Foundation Lu Chia-hui attended the award ceremony and offered their congratulations. The atmosphere was heartfelt and earnest. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States Files Civil Forfeiture Complaint Against $225M in Funds Involved in Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud Money Laundering

    Source: US State of Vermont

    The Department of Justice filed a civil forfeiture complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against more than $225.3 million in cryptocurrency. According to the complaint, law enforcement used blockchain analysis and other investigative techniques to determine that the cryptocurrency is connected to the theft and laundering of funds from victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, commonly referred to as “cryptocurrency confidence scams.”

    The complaint alleges that the cryptocurrency addresses that held the over $225.3 million in cryptocurrency were part of a sophisticated blockchain-based money laundering network that executed hundreds of thousands of transactions and was used to disperse proceeds of cryptocurrency investment fraud across many cryptocurrency addresses and accounts on the blockchain to conceal the source of the illegally obtained funds. 

    “Today’s civil forfeiture complaint is the latest action taken by the Department to protect the American public from fraudsters specializing in cryptocurrency-based scams, and it will not be the last,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These schemes harm American victims, costing them billions of dollars every year, and undermine faith in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Our investigators and prosecutors are relentlessly pursuing these scammers and their ill-gotten gains, and we will relentlessly pursue recovery of victim funds.”

    “Under my leadership, with the support of President Trump and Attorney General Bondi, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is taking a leading role in the fight against crypto-confidence scams, partnering with law enforcement throughout the country to seize and forfeit stolen funds and rip them from the hands of foreign criminals, all with the eye toward making victims whole,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia.

    “The forfeiture of these illicit funds is a powerful tool in the FBI’s toolbox to stop the fraudsters who are operating online from stealing from the American people,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Division. “The FBI will not standby while these criminals target unsuspecting victims who believe they are making legitimate investments. The hard work of the FBI and our partners continues as we work with victims and potential victims across the country to put an end to these scams and warn others about their devastating effects.”

    “This seizure of $225.3 million in funds linked to cryptocurrency investment scams marks the largest cryptocurrency seizure in U.S. Secret Service (USSS) history,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet of the USSS San Francisco Field Office. “These scams prey on trust, often resulting in extreme financial hardship for the victims. The USSS, FBI, and our private partners worked diligently to trace these illicit transactions, identify victims and seize these funds so that they can eventually be returned to their rightful owners.”

    As part of the investigation of the laundering network, over 400 suspected victims are believed to have lost funds after being duped into believing that they were making legitimate cryptocurrency investments. The complaint recounts millions of dollars in victim losses. According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, cryptocurrency investment fraud caused more than $5.8 billion in reported losses in 2024 alone. The USSS San Francisco Field Office and FBI San Francisco Field Offices investigated the case. The Department of Justice thanks Tether for its proactive assistance in this investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Stefanie Schwartz and Ethan Cantor of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Rosenberg and Rick Blaylock Jr. for the District of Columbia are handling the matter.

    Members of the public who believe they are victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud and other cyber-enabled crime should contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. If you believe you may be a victim of one of the scams alleged in the government’s complaint, add the code “BT06182025” in the narrative of your complaint, and if you have previously filed a related complaint, make note of the prior complaint in the narrative.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Files Civil Forfeiture Complaint Against $225M in Funds Involved in Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud Money Laundering

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Department of Justice filed a civil forfeiture complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against more than $225.3 million in cryptocurrency. According to the complaint, law enforcement used blockchain analysis and other investigative techniques to determine that the cryptocurrency is connected to the theft and laundering of funds from victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, commonly referred to as “cryptocurrency confidence scams.”

    The complaint alleges that the cryptocurrency addresses that held the over $225.3 million in cryptocurrency were part of a sophisticated blockchain-based money laundering network that executed hundreds of thousands of transactions and was used to disperse proceeds of cryptocurrency investment fraud across many cryptocurrency addresses and accounts on the blockchain to conceal the source of the illegally obtained funds. 

    “Today’s civil forfeiture complaint is the latest action taken by the Department to protect the American public from fraudsters specializing in cryptocurrency-based scams, and it will not be the last,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These schemes harm American victims, costing them billions of dollars every year, and undermine faith in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Our investigators and prosecutors are relentlessly pursuing these scammers and their ill-gotten gains, and we will relentlessly pursue recovery of victim funds.”

    “Under my leadership, with the support of President Trump and Attorney General Bondi, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is taking a leading role in the fight against crypto-confidence scams, partnering with law enforcement throughout the country to seize and forfeit stolen funds and rip them from the hands of foreign criminals, all with the eye toward making victims whole,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia.

    “The forfeiture of these illicit funds is a powerful tool in the FBI’s toolbox to stop the fraudsters who are operating online from stealing from the American people,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Division. “The FBI will not standby while these criminals target unsuspecting victims who believe they are making legitimate investments. The hard work of the FBI and our partners continues as we work with victims and potential victims across the country to put an end to these scams and warn others about their devastating effects.”

    “This seizure of $225.3 million in funds linked to cryptocurrency investment scams marks the largest cryptocurrency seizure in U.S. Secret Service (USSS) history,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet of the USSS San Francisco Field Office. “These scams prey on trust, often resulting in extreme financial hardship for the victims. The USSS, FBI, and our private partners worked diligently to trace these illicit transactions, identify victims and seize these funds so that they can eventually be returned to their rightful owners.”

    As part of the investigation of the laundering network, over 400 suspected victims are believed to have lost funds after being duped into believing that they were making legitimate cryptocurrency investments. The complaint recounts millions of dollars in victim losses. According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, cryptocurrency investment fraud caused more than $5.8 billion in reported losses in 2024 alone. The USSS San Francisco Field Office and FBI San Francisco Field Offices investigated the case. The Department of Justice thanks Tether for its proactive assistance in this investigation.

    Trial Attorneys Stefanie Schwartz and Ethan Cantor of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Rosenberg and Rick Blaylock Jr. for the District of Columbia are handling the matter.

    Members of the public who believe they are victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud and other cyber-enabled crime should contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. If you believe you may be a victim of one of the scams alleged in the government’s complaint, add the code “BT06182025” in the narrative of your complaint, and if you have previously filed a related complaint, make note of the prior complaint in the narrative.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 to Host Dedicated Energy Finance Track

    The African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – will host an Energy Finance Track, dedicated to exploring the opportunities, challenges and emerging trends across Africa’s investment environment. The Energy Finance Track – hosted across the three-day main conference agenda – covers a variety of topics and aims to reduce risk perception, identify strategic investment avenues while exploring innovative finance models that drive projects forward in Africa.

    The Energy Finance Track features a suite of companies, all of which will tackle strategic topics. These include African and global national oil companies, global energy and intelligence firms, energy and technology service providers, downstream regulators, upstream operators, African E&P firms, renewable energy developers, and many more. From access to finance to investment risks to Merger & Acquisition (M&A) activity, regional projects and development finance, the track will support decision-making and deal-signing in Africa’s energy sector.

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    Africa’s energy sector continues to witness a surge in investment, as both operators and financiers expand their portfolios across the continent. In 2025, capital expenditure across the continent is projected to hit $43 billion, rising to $54 billion by 2030. Onshore projects are expected to represent the lion’s share of expenditure at 56%, while natural gas is estimated to draw the majority of capital by 2030, accounting for over 60% of hydrocarbon investment during this period. Deepwater exploration is also on the rise, particularly in frontier markets such as Namibia and Ivory Coast. Financing exploration and production projects remains a key challenge, however, as the global capital pool continues to decline. The AEW: Invest in African Energies Energy Finance Track will address this challenge, with panels geared towards exploring innovative strategies to raise capital for oil and gas projects. Sessions include Reducing Barriers to Entry in African Energy Investments; Financing Upstream Projects for Domestic Energy Security; Sourcing International and African Capital for the Acquisition and Development of Marginal and Undeveloped Fields; and African Equity Risk Premium.

    Africa’s M&A landscape has also proven to be dynamic in recent years, with future projections showing a positive growth trajectory as companies seeks new investment and partnership opportunities across the continent. Driven by rising capital expenditure, a surge in exploration and a focus on frontier basins across the continent, M&A activity continues to grow in Africa. Amid this growth, the Energy Finance Track will address strategies for supporting future M&A activity. Sessions on Strategic Financing for M&A and Navigating Risk and Insurance in African M&A, will examine identified risk and liabilities between buyers and sellers and how access to capital, regulatory hurdles and shifting investment trends are impacting Africa’s M&A landscape.

    Beyond oil and gas, Africa’s renewable energy and power landscape is on track for significant growth, as countries diversify their energy systems and seek to support broader economic growth. With over 600 million people living without access to electricity across the continent, African countries are accelerating the pace and development of power infrastructure, from generation to transmission to storage. Yet, financing challenges remain. The International Energy Agency projects that to meet the continent’s energy access, climate and development goals, Africa requires annual energy investments to more than double to over $240 billion by 2030. Key sectors include energy access, power systems and emerging industries such as clean energy technologies.

    The Energy Finance Track will unpack the role innovative financing mechanisms and regional collaboration plays in achieving the continent’s energy and development goals. Sessions on Intra-Africa Commodities Trading and Financing Cross-Border Pipelines and Shared Infrastructure Projects will explore how increased regional trade can serve as a catalyst for economic development in Africa. Additionally, sessions on Integrated Energy Projects: Is Financing Easier and Energy Finance Strategies: Lessons Across Africa will examine how blended finance, public-private partnership models and development finance can support energy development.

    “The AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 Energy Finance Track offers a unique opportunity for African financiers to gain insight into emerging opportunities across the continent. At the same time, the track offers project developers, governments and public institutions the chance to explore new methods of financing, while addressing critical challenges to energy development,” stated Oré Onagbesan, AEW: Invest in African Energies Program Director.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Larry Walker III Named Republican Nominee for President Pro Tempore Ahead of 2026 Session

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (June 18, 2025) — Yesterday, the Georgia Senate Republican Caucus announced that Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) has been selected as its nominee for President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate, following today’s internal caucus vote. Walker, who has served the 20th Senate District since 2015, will stand for formal election by the full Senate body at the start of the new legislative session in January 2026.

    “I’m honored by the support and confidence of my Republican colleagues,” said Sen. Walker. “This nomination reflects our shared vision for a Senate that remains fair, efficient and stands in service to the people of Georgia. While January’s full Senate vote is still to come, I’m prepared to bring forward my experience and commitment to this important role.”

    In the position of President Pro Tempore, Walker would preside over Senate sessions in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor and collaborate closely with Senate leadership to streamline legislative procedure and enhance transparency.

    # # # #

    Sen. Larry Walker III serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Texas Man Charged Federally for Receipt and Transport of Explosives Intended for Use Against Law Enforcement

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Texas man is facing federal charges after allegedly purchasing powerful explosives in New Mexico and expressing plans to use them to harm law enforcement officers and government officials during riots in California.

    According to court documents, on June 12, 2025, Grzegorz Vandenberg, 48, visited a travel center in Lordsburg, New Mexico, to purchase fireworks. During the transaction, Vandenberg requested assistance in selecting fireworks that could be thrown directly at people to cause harm. He told store employees that he was prior special forces military and claimed he could make pipe bombs. Vandenberg further stated that he was traveling to Los Angeles, California, for the riots, with the intent to kill law enforcement officers or government officials.

    “This man allegedly intended to use the chaotic riots in Los Angeles as an opportunity to commit deadly violence against law enforcement officers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Threats like these strike at the heart of law and order — we will not hesitate to bring federal charges against anyone who seeks to harm law enforcement or endanger the safety of our communities.”

    “Our message is clear: If you come after law enforcement officers, the FBI will spare no effort to find you and bring you to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This defendant allegedly intended to use explosives to attack police officers currently conducting law enforcement operations in Los Angeles and – with the help of a store cashier who took down his license plate information – we were able to put a stop to that plan. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to serve the American people and the FBI will always do our part to protect them.”

    “Targeting law enforcement with violence is not protest – it’s a crime,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. “Anyone who attempts to harm officers or undermine public safety will be held accountable. Protecting the safety of our communities and upholding the integrity of lawful demonstrations are priorities, and those who cross the line into violence will be prosecuted swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Store staff reported that Vandenberg asked for the largest explosives available and invited an employee to join him and his platoon in California. He also claimed to have mortar explosives in his possession and reiterated his plan to use them at the riots to kill officers. Vandenberg purchased six mortars, each containing 60 grams of gunpowder, and 36 large fireworks before leaving the store in a vehicle with Montana license plates, heading west on Interstate 10.

    Vandenberg is charged with transporting explosives in interstate commerce with the knowledge and intent that they would be used to kill, injure, or intimidate individuals. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Vandenberg faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

    The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Tucson Resident Agency of the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, Tucson Police Department, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joni Stahl and Grant Gardner for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nigeria’s economy is growing but rural poverty is rising: 5 key policies to address the divide

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Stephen Onyeiwu, Professor of Economics & Business, Allegheny College

    The Nigerian economy grew at a robust rate of 3.4% in 2024, the highest it has been since 2019 (except 2021 when the COVID rebound occurred).

    This should have been cheering news, worthy of firecrackers and champagne-popping. Rather it came with a catch: the country’s poverty profile worsened.

    In its annual review of the country, the World Bank applauded Nigeria for its economic reforms. These include the removal of fuel subsidies, liberalisation of the foreign exchange market and maintenance of a contractionary monetary policy. This is a policy of raising interest rates, reducing money supply and increasing borrowing costs to rein in inflation.

    But the bank also drew attention to the fact that the country’s poverty profile has become grim. About 31% of Nigerians lived in poverty prior to the COVID-19 epidemic. Since then, an additional 42 million have become poor, increasing the poverty rate to about 46% in 2024.

    Poverty is even worse in Nigeria’s rural communities: 75.5% live on US$2.15 or less per day (based on 2017 prices). The average poverty rate for sub-Saharan African countries was 36.5% in 2024 and 0.8% for East Asia and the Pacific.

    Nigeria’s poverty rate would have been higher if the multidimensional poverty index had been used. In addition to income, the index considers access to education, health, decent housing, nutrition, sanitation, electricity and water. Access to these critical services has worsened for many Nigerians, despite improvements in macroeconomic stability.



    Read more:
    Poor rural infrastructure holds back food production by small Nigerian farmers

    A challenge for policy makers is how to translate impressive macroeconomic outcomes into high-paying jobs, lower poverty rates and access to health, good sanitation, education, electricity and affordable housing. The question is even more acute for people in rural areas.

    As an economist who has studied the Nigerian economy for over four decades and lived in a rural community, I believe Nigeria needs a radical shift in its economic policy approach.

    One major step should be a change in the country’s growth drivers. Oil, information and communications technology and finance are the major drivers of growth in Nigeria.

    These sectors are not employment-intensive, and they require skills that most Nigerians don’t have. Because of the lack of employment opportunities in these sectors, most Nigerians gravitate towards the informal sector, which accounts for about 90% of employment in the country.

    By continuing to urge Nigerians to be patient for economic reforms to have a positive impact on their living conditions, the Tinubu administration appears to assume that improvements in macroeconomic performance will eventually manifest in lower unemployment and poverty rates. This notion of “trickle-down economics” is misconceived and illusory.

    The government needs to intentionally create transmission mechanisms through which economic growth and macroeconomic stability can raise living standards.

    Fostering growth with development

    Concerted efforts will be needed to target poverty in general, and rural poverty in particular.

    Five key policies could get Nigeria closer to this goal:

    Building productive capacities: People who live in rural areas in Nigeria are eager to work and full of creative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. But they lack the resources and opportunity to fully unleash their potential.

    Building their productive capacities would entail giving them access to basic education, technical and managerial skills, and other productive resources such as tools, equipment, finance and land. The government should identify the comparative advantage of different rural communities, and put in place policies that encourage those communities to use their comparative advantage and distinctive competencies.

    Opportunity to diversify incomes: In developed countries, many people hold multiple jobs. Most rural dwellers in Nigeria, however, rely on agriculture as their only source of livelihood.

    Because of limited access to inputs and modern technology, and outdated agricultural practices, their productivity is often very low. Their low income makes it difficult to save and invest in education, health and housing.

    Non-agricultural activities, especially manufacturing, need to be located in rural communities, to give rural dwellers the opportunity to diversify their income sources.

    Agriculture-led industrial strategy: This would involve the location of manufacturing plants close to the sources of agricultural raw materials.

    Nigerian manufacturers locate their factories in urban areas. The result of urban-biased development strategy in Nigeria has been the lack of employment opportunities in rural communities, and a decline in the rural population, from about 85% in 1960 to 46% in 2023.

    Moving manufacturing to rural areas would require massive investment in infrastructure such as electricity, water, roads and health services.



    Read more:
    Nigeria’s new blue economy ministry could harness marine resources – moving the focus away from oil

    Ending patriarchy and male domination: Women disproportionately bear the burden of rural poverty in Nigeria. A study in rural south-east Nigeria found that the poverty rate among women was 98%, compared to 85% for men. Men are often given preference regarding access to land, education, skills acquisition and financial inclusion.

    Women are also imbued with the responsibility of caring for children, the elderly and the sick, as well as household chores. This leaves them with little time for paid work or opportunities to acquire marketable skills.

    Ability to absorb shocks and vulnerability: Rural poverty is often exacerbated by shocks and vulnerability such as extreme weather conditions, attacks by insurgents and other criminal groups, and illness. With no safety nets, and little or no saving, most rural dwellers are unable to withstand shocks.

    The Tinubu administration plans to disburse N25,000 (about US$17) each to 60 million Nigerians. But these kinds of support are too small, non-pervasive, irregular and unpredictable.



    Read more:
    Nigeria needs to close the financial inclusion gap for women smallholder farmers

    What India and China have to teach

    Nigeria could do well to borrow from the Indian model of an institutionalised safety net.

    India issues “ration cards” to eligible households. The cards enable poor people to purchase essential food items such as grains, milk, eggs, cooking oil and bread at subsidised prices from designated stores.

    Nigeria could finance this kind of programme with a special tax on oil companies and financial institutions, which frequently post huge after-tax profits.

    China has had an impressive record of poverty reduction. Using the US$1.90 poverty line, China’s poverty rate decreased from 88.1% in 1981 to 0.3% in 2018.

    The fall in rural poverty is even more dramatic, from 96% in 1980 to 1% in 2019.

    This reduction was accomplished in stages, starting with an increase in agricultural productivity. It then shifted focus to the development of non-agricultural sectors of the economy, including manufacturing. These sectors were able to draw surplus labour from the agricultural sector, giving them skills that led to higher wages and poverty alleviation.



    Read more:
    Poor rural infrastructure holds back food production by small Nigerian farmers

    Next steps

    The World Bank in its report noted that addressing pressing social and humanitarian challenges remains critical to ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth in Nigeria.

    Cash transfers and social assistance programmes could provide temporary relief for the poor in rural communities. But a long-term solution is to build their productive capacities and transform rural communities in ways that provide opportunities for income diversification.

    Stephen Onyeiwu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Nigeria’s economy is growing but rural poverty is rising: 5 key policies to address the divide – https://theconversation.com/nigerias-economy-is-growing-but-rural-poverty-is-rising-5-key-policies-to-address-the-divide-257152

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nigeria’s economy is growing but rural poverty is rising: 5 key policies to address the divide

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Stephen Onyeiwu, Professor of Economics & Business, Allegheny College

    The Nigerian economy grew at a robust rate of 3.4% in 2024, the highest it has been since 2019 (except 2021 when the COVID rebound occurred).

    This should have been cheering news, worthy of firecrackers and champagne-popping. Rather it came with a catch: the country’s poverty profile worsened.

    In its annual review of the country, the World Bank applauded Nigeria for its economic reforms. These include the removal of fuel subsidies, liberalisation of the foreign exchange market and maintenance of a contractionary monetary policy. This is a policy of raising interest rates, reducing money supply and increasing borrowing costs to rein in inflation.

    But the bank also drew attention to the fact that the country’s poverty profile has become grim. About 31% of Nigerians lived in poverty prior to the COVID-19 epidemic. Since then, an additional 42 million have become poor, increasing the poverty rate to about 46% in 2024.

    Poverty is even worse in Nigeria’s rural communities: 75.5% live on US$2.15 or less per day (based on 2017 prices). The average poverty rate for sub-Saharan African countries was 36.5% in 2024 and 0.8% for East Asia and the Pacific.

    Nigeria’s poverty rate would have been higher if the multidimensional poverty index had been used. In addition to income, the index considers access to education, health, decent housing, nutrition, sanitation, electricity and water. Access to these critical services has worsened for many Nigerians, despite improvements in macroeconomic stability.

    Read more: Poor rural infrastructure holds back food production by small Nigerian farmers

    A challenge for policy makers is how to translate impressive macroeconomic outcomes into high-paying jobs, lower poverty rates and access to health, good sanitation, education, electricity and affordable housing. The question is even more acute for people in rural areas.

    As an economist who has studied the Nigerian economy for over four decades and lived in a rural community, I believe Nigeria needs a radical shift in its economic policy approach.

    One major step should be a change in the country’s growth drivers. Oil, information and communications technology and finance are the major drivers of growth in Nigeria.

    These sectors are not employment-intensive, and they require skills that most Nigerians don’t have. Because of the lack of employment opportunities in these sectors, most Nigerians gravitate towards the informal sector, which accounts for about 90% of employment in the country.

    By continuing to urge Nigerians to be patient for economic reforms to have a positive impact on their living conditions, the Tinubu administration appears to assume that improvements in macroeconomic performance will eventually manifest in lower unemployment and poverty rates. This notion of “trickle-down economics” is misconceived and illusory.

    The government needs to intentionally create transmission mechanisms through which economic growth and macroeconomic stability can raise living standards.

    Fostering growth with development

    Concerted efforts will be needed to target poverty in general, and rural poverty in particular.

    Five key policies could get Nigeria closer to this goal:

    Building productive capacities: People who live in rural areas in Nigeria are eager to work and full of creative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. But they lack the resources and opportunity to fully unleash their potential.

    Building their productive capacities would entail giving them access to basic education, technical and managerial skills, and other productive resources such as tools, equipment, finance and land. The government should identify the comparative advantage of different rural communities, and put in place policies that encourage those communities to use their comparative advantage and distinctive competencies.

    Opportunity to diversify incomes: In developed countries, many people hold multiple jobs. Most rural dwellers in Nigeria, however, rely on agriculture as their only source of livelihood.

    Because of limited access to inputs and modern technology, and outdated agricultural practices, their productivity is often very low. Their low income makes it difficult to save and invest in education, health and housing.

    Non-agricultural activities, especially manufacturing, need to be located in rural communities, to give rural dwellers the opportunity to diversify their income sources.

    Agriculture-led industrial strategy: This would involve the location of manufacturing plants close to the sources of agricultural raw materials.

    Nigerian manufacturers locate their factories in urban areas. The result of urban-biased development strategy in Nigeria has been the lack of employment opportunities in rural communities, and a decline in the rural population, from about 85% in 1960 to 46% in 2023.

    Moving manufacturing to rural areas would require massive investment in infrastructure such as electricity, water, roads and health services.

    Read more: Nigeria’s new blue economy ministry could harness marine resources – moving the focus away from oil

    Ending patriarchy and male domination: Women disproportionately bear the burden of rural poverty in Nigeria. A study in rural south-east Nigeria found that the poverty rate among women was 98%, compared to 85% for men. Men are often given preference regarding access to land, education, skills acquisition and financial inclusion.

    Women are also imbued with the responsibility of caring for children, the elderly and the sick, as well as household chores. This leaves them with little time for paid work or opportunities to acquire marketable skills.

    Ability to absorb shocks and vulnerability: Rural poverty is often exacerbated by shocks and vulnerability such as extreme weather conditions, attacks by insurgents and other criminal groups, and illness. With no safety nets, and little or no saving, most rural dwellers are unable to withstand shocks.

    The Tinubu administration plans to disburse N25,000 (about US$17) each to 60 million Nigerians. But these kinds of support are too small, non-pervasive, irregular and unpredictable.

    Read more: Nigeria needs to close the financial inclusion gap for women smallholder farmers

    What India and China have to teach

    Nigeria could do well to borrow from the Indian model of an institutionalised safety net.

    India issues “ration cards” to eligible households. The cards enable poor people to purchase essential food items such as grains, milk, eggs, cooking oil and bread at subsidised prices from designated stores.

    Nigeria could finance this kind of programme with a special tax on oil companies and financial institutions, which frequently post huge after-tax profits.

    China has had an impressive record of poverty reduction. Using the US$1.90 poverty line, China’s poverty rate decreased from 88.1% in 1981 to 0.3% in 2018.

    The fall in rural poverty is even more dramatic, from 96% in 1980 to 1% in 2019.

    This reduction was accomplished in stages, starting with an increase in agricultural productivity. It then shifted focus to the development of non-agricultural sectors of the economy, including manufacturing. These sectors were able to draw surplus labour from the agricultural sector, giving them skills that led to higher wages and poverty alleviation.

    Read more: Poor rural infrastructure holds back food production by small Nigerian farmers

    Next steps

    The World Bank in its report noted that addressing pressing social and humanitarian challenges remains critical to ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth in Nigeria.

    Cash transfers and social assistance programmes could provide temporary relief for the poor in rural communities. But a long-term solution is to build their productive capacities and transform rural communities in ways that provide opportunities for income diversification.

    – Nigeria’s economy is growing but rural poverty is rising: 5 key policies to address the divide
    – https://theconversation.com/nigerias-economy-is-growing-but-rural-poverty-is-rising-5-key-policies-to-address-the-divide-257152

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sexual predator has prison sentence increased

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Sexual predator has prison sentence increased

    A sexual predator who posed as a 12-year-old to obtain explicit photos from children has sentence increased following the Solicitor General’s intervention. 

    Joshua Wilson (26) from Bedworth, Warwickshire, had his sentence increased by one year and ten months after the case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP, under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.   

    The Court heard that between May and September 2023, Wilson contacted two children on social media. He requested nude images and sent sexually explicit images of himself to one of them.   

    In October 2024, following his arrest and whilst on bail, Wilson contacted a nine-year-old girl on social media.

    Posing as a 12-year-old boy, Wilson video called her and requested she show her genitals to him.   

    Wilson was also found to be in possession of numerous indecent images of children and had uploaded some onto an instant messaging service.   

    The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:   

    Joshua Wilson’s crimes were sickening.  He sought to befriend and sexually exploit vulnerable children.  

    I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase his sentence following my intervention.

    On 7 March 2025, Wilson was sentenced to four years imprisonment for three counts of making indecent photographs of children, one count of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act, one count of distributing indecent photographs of children, four counts of sexual communication with a child, one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act, and one count of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.   

    On 17 June 2025, Wilson’s sentence was increased to five years and 10 months after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Innovation Workshop: How Business and Science Will Unite at the “University of Entrepreneurs”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A “University of Entrepreneurs” will appear in Moscow. It will start working on September 1, 2025. This is a joint project Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of Moscow, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) and the ANO “Human Capital Development”. The key element in it will be workshops of famous Russian businessmen, where they, using scientific developments and the infrastructure of partner universities, will work together with students and research staff to create new business projects.

    During the session “Interaction of Science, Business and the State as the Basis of Russia’s Technological Sovereignty” held on June 18 at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, organized by the Moscow Government and ASI, experts discussed how to translate scientific knowledge and university research into working business products and what models of interaction between all parties – the state, the business sector and universities – allow this to be done effectively.

    Leading representatives of business, science and government took part in the dialogue. Among them was the head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of Moscow Kristina Kostroma, General Director of the ANO “University of Entrepreneurs” Grigory Gorchakov, Rector of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology Dmitry Livanov and others.

    “The potential of modern universities allows them to become full-fledged participants in the innovative transformation that our country is actively experiencing today. Thanks to research and high-tech projects, universities are becoming centers for generating ideas and innovative solutions. The University of Entrepreneurs, which is based on the symbiosis of business and science, will allow fundamental projects to quickly find application in the real sector of the economy, creating an opportunity for the formation of start-ups and the commercialization of scientific developments,” noted Kristina Kostroma.

    The experts also discussed the development strategy and the plan for implementing the university’s program for 2025. The main focus was on approaches to overcoming the difficulties of coordination between universities, the scientific community and business when introducing technological products to the market. The participants considered the mechanisms of effective interaction necessary for the successful launch and implementation of projects aimed at achieving technological sovereignty.

    Following the discussion, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Aquarius Group of Companies, Alexey Kalinin, presented a manifesto on the interaction of science, business and the state, initiated by the ANO University of Entrepreneurs and the Gorki International Business School. The document emphasizes that the creation and development of a technology business, as well as the achievement of technological sovereignty, should be based not only on commercial and innovative components, but also on the common value guidelines of all participants in the process.

    “This platform is critically important for discussing approaches to coordinating the efforts of universities, science and entrepreneurs. Each of these groups has its own characteristics and interests. Our task is to create conditions under which these interests will be taken into account, which will ensure a high-quality contribution to science and the subsequent transformation of scientific developments into technologies in demand by the market. The presentation of the manifesto is an important step in the formation of this cooperation based on common values,” said Alexander Vaino, Director of the Young Professionals direction of the ASI, member of the Supervisory Board of the University of Entrepreneurs program.

    Twenty entrepreneurs — market leaders — have already confirmed their participation in the project. They include Andrey Krivenko (JSC VkusVill, agrotechnologies), Mikhail Goncharov (JSC Teremok, foodtech), Andrey Davidyuk (co-founder of Motorika) and others. The University of Entrepreneurs will become a place for business where entrepreneurs will have direct access to the best developments of leading Russian universities, scientific infrastructure, laboratories, and intellectual capital.

    The result of the interaction of the “University of Entrepreneurs” with business will be the launch of hundreds of technological startups, the integration of scientific developments into business practice and the formation of a sustainable ecosystem. In this environment, entrepreneurs will gain access to promising ideas, and students will gain invaluable practical experience and opportunities to scale their developments to the level of a market product, contributing to the strengthening of Russia’s technological sovereignty.

    After the session, a ceremonial signing of cooperation agreements took place between the ANO “University of Entrepreneurs” and eight leading universities of the country. Among them are the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, the National Research University “Higher School of Economics”, the National Research Nuclear University “Moscow Engineering Physics Institute”, the National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov and the Central University. As part of the signed agreements, a project was created where scientists, business teams and students will develop innovative solutions for key sectors of the Russian economy.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

     

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155447073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Armenian Prime Minister dismisses director of National Security Service

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    YEREVAN, June 18 (Xinhua) — Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has dismissed Director of the National Security Service (NSS) Armen Abazyan, who has held the post since November 2020. The corresponding decree was published on the website of the Armenian government on Wednesday.

    The reasons for this decision are not stated in the official document, but N. Pashinyan, during a conversation with journalists in the National Assembly /parliament/ of Armenia, said: “The entire process of his tenure in this post was extremely difficult. I think he deserves a little rest, because working for five years in tense conditions as the director of the National Security Service, as you understand, is not easy.”

    The head of the Armenian government temporarily assigned the duties of the head of the service to the deputy director of the National Security Service Andranik Simonyan. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Turkish President R. T. Erdogan supported Iran’s right to self-defense in the conflict with Israel

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ANKARA, June 18 (Xinhua) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said he supports Iran’s right to self-defense in the conflict with Israel.

    Addressing his party members in parliament, he noted that “it is legitimate and lawful for Iran to defend itself against the banditry and state terrorism of Israel.”

    “We are doing everything in our power to stop this inhuman aggression not only against Gaza, but also against Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and our neighbor Iran. The end of Israeli aggression is necessary for all humanity,” the Turkish leader emphasized.

    R.T. Erdogan added that Turkey is preparing for possible problems and different scenarios due to the ongoing Israeli-Iranian conflict. “All our institutions are on high alert due to the possible consequences of these attacks on Turkey,” the president said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Charged Federally for Receipt and Transport of Explosives Intended for Use Against Law Enforcement

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Texas man is facing federal charges after allegedly purchasing powerful explosives in New Mexico and expressing plans to use them to harm law enforcement officers and government officials during riots in California.

    According to court documents, on June 12, 2025, Grzegorz Vandenberg, 48, visited a travel center in Lordsburg, New Mexico, to purchase fireworks. During the transaction, Vandenberg requested assistance in selecting fireworks that could be thrown directly at people to cause harm. He told store employees that he was prior special forces military and claimed he could make pipe bombs. Vandenberg further stated that he was traveling to Los Angeles, California, for the riots, with the intent to kill law enforcement officers or government officials.

    “This man allegedly intended to use the chaotic riots in Los Angeles as an opportunity to commit deadly violence against law enforcement officers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Threats like these strike at the heart of law and order — we will not hesitate to bring federal charges against anyone who seeks to harm law enforcement or endanger the safety of our communities.”

    “Our message is clear: If you come after law enforcement officers, the FBI will spare no effort to find you and bring you to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This defendant allegedly intended to use explosives to attack police officers currently conducting law enforcement operations in Los Angeles and – with the help of a store cashier who took down his license plate information – we were able to put a stop to that plan. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to serve the American people and the FBI will always do our part to protect them.”

    “Targeting law enforcement with violence is not protest – it’s a crime,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. “Anyone who attempts to harm officers or undermine public safety will be held accountable. Protecting the safety of our communities and upholding the integrity of lawful demonstrations are priorities, and those who cross the line into violence will be prosecuted swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Store staff reported that Vandenberg asked for the largest explosives available and invited an employee to join him and his platoon in California. He also claimed to have mortar explosives in his possession and reiterated his plan to use them at the riots to kill officers. Vandenberg purchased six mortars, each containing 60 grams of gunpowder, and 36 large fireworks before leaving the store in a vehicle with Montana license plates, heading west on Interstate 10.

    Vandenberg is charged with transporting explosives in interstate commerce with the knowledge and intent that they would be used to kill, injure, or intimidate individuals. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Vandenberg faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

    The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Tucson Resident Agency of the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, Tucson Police Department, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joni Stahl and Grant Gardner for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –